Luke 2:21-40

21 After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. — NRSV


 

Why do you think Luke emphasizes in his gospel that the followers of God did what God said; such as, Jesus’ parents naming Him as the angel told them? What does this tell us about God’s expectations of people?
 







Joseph and Mary’s firstborn Son did not need to be redeemed from serving the Lord, for they presented Him to the Lord to be a servant of the Lord (as did Samuel’s parents). What does it mean to parents today for parents to present their children to the Lord?








At the temple, Joseph and Mary offered the sacrifice that poor people offered. What significance does that have for all people today, both rich and poor?








Simeon revealed to Joseph and Mary that Jesus came to be the light of revelation for Gentiles (Gentiles are all those who are not Jews). If you had the opportunity, what three truths would you want to reveal to every unbeliever today?








What is the significance, if any, of Luke recording only comments made about Jesus by people who were not priests or religious leaders in the temple? Why does God have two witnesses in the temple speak to Jesus’ parents?








© Copyright 2007 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Write: lgp@easybiblelessons.com
Reprints Freely Permitted for Not for Profit private or group Bible Study. Listen to the Parkhurst Bible Study Podcast at www.parkhurstbiblelessons.com.
Additional Bible Studies at www.EasyBibleLessons.com
Uniform Series International Bible Lessons at www.InternationalBibleLessons.com.

Discuss the Bible Lesson with other teachers and students at BibleLessonForum.com

Please do not remove the copyright notice or publish these lessons for profit if you reprint them. To download these Bible Studies as an audio file or podcast to listen to, go to ParkhurstBibleLessons.com.

For newspapers, reprints, or other for profit use, contact:
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. - lgp@InternationalBibleLessons.com.

Unless otherwise noted the Easy Bible Lessons, the International Bible Lessons and Parkhurst Bible Lessons are copyrighted © 2007 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. All Rights Reserved. For reprint rights other than noted above contact lgp@InternationalBibleLessons.com. Please do not remove the copyright notice or publish these Bible Lessons for profit if you reprint them. To comment on the Parkhurst Bible Lessons go to the BibleLessonForum.com.  To listen or download them as an audio file or podcast go to ParkhurstBibleLessons.com.